mama
MA-muh
Mama (noun) means an affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children. Example: “Mama, can I have a biscuit?" asked the little boy.”
noun
1
An affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children.
""Mama, can I have a biscuit?" asked the little boy."
"The toddler ran to her mama crying."
"He still calls his mother "mama" even as an adult."
2
A respectful or affectionate term of address for an older woman.
"Everyone at the market called the cheerful old stallholder Mama and asked her for advice."
"The children brought flowers for Mama Rosa, who looked after the whole street."
"The regulars all knew Mama, who ran the diner for forty years."
How to use mama
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA childlike or affectionate word for mother, though it can also be used as a warm title for an older woman.
When to use it
Informal; more common in speech than formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- mamas
- Third person singular
- mamas
- Past tense
- mamaed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____, can I have a biscuit?" asked the little boy.
Etymology
Probably a reduplication of the baby-talk sound "ma," found in similar forms across many unrelated languages.
Related words
Rhymes for mama
See all rhymes for mama →Frequently asked questions
What does “mama” mean?
The word “mama” means an affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children. In plain terms, a childlike or affectionate word for mother, though it can also be used as a warm title for an older woman.
How do you pronounce “mama”?
“Mama” is pronounced MA-muh (/ˈmɑmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “mama” in a sentence?
Here is “mama” used in a sentence: “The toddler ran to her mama crying.”
What part of speech is “mama”?
“Mama” is a noun.
Is “mama” a common word?
“Mama” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mama” have?
“Mama” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children.
What is the difference between "mama" and "mom"?
Both are informal, affectionate words for mother, but mama is often one of the earliest forms used by young children and can sound warmer or more old-fashioned. Mom is the more common everyday term in American English.
Is "mama" formal or informal?
Mama is informal and affectionate, typically used by children or as a warm term of address. It is not used in formal writing, where the word "mother" is preferred.
Can "mama" refer to someone other than your mother?
Yes. Beyond meaning mother, mama can serve as a respectful or affectionate term of address for an older woman. The intended meaning usually depends on the context.
What is the difference between "mama" and "mamma"?
These are spelling variants of the same affectionate word for mother, and mama is the more common modern spelling in American English. Both carry the same warm, informal tone.
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